Jessica Mason isn’t looking for love when she meets Ridley Chesterfield. Instead she is still reeling from the tragic, unexpected loss of her husband and daughter—and awaiting the arrival of her unborn child. Harboring the secret of her husband’s betrayal, her pain is deeper than anyone knows.
Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination.
When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have wronged them, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again.
I absolutely LOVED Who I Am With You! Hatcher really tugs on the heartstrings with Jessica’s story. It’s so easy to see why she’s bitter and heartbroken, and I love the it of mystery that she writes into the story. Jessica’s story isn’t revealed all at once, and I enjoyed trying to put together pieces before Hatcher assembled them.
Ridley was a fun character. While Jessica was deep and had a dark history, Ridley’s issues felt simpler to deal with, even though betrayal is always hard. I liked the way that he helped his parents, worked on his issues, and was always willing to help his neighbor when she needed it.
The most fascinating piece of this story was the Bible – Jessica’s great-grandfather’s Bible. She connects with him through notes he’s written in the Bible, but as the reader, you learn his full story through flashback-like episodes that Hatcher inserts into the action.
I was really close to my great-grandparents growing up. They were both people of strong faith, though they weren’t the write-in-my-Bible type. This story really makes me wonder what Grandma would have written beside her favorite verses. How might she have noted scriptures she studied when life was hard? That would be fascinating to know. I really enjoyed this facet of the story.
I love stories in which the main characters grow, and Jessica and Ridley’s faith sprouts new branches in this one. Much healing needed to happen, and I loved seeing how Hatcher spurred this on.
Who I Am With You is a sweet story of hope and healing – perfect for a fireside read. Give it a try!
I received a free copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
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